Leftist Invaders

Dear Jack,

Expalin to me how my Church was invaded by people who make Hilary Clinton look moderate to right? Recently I've been upset at the prospect that the leaders of the Church want to allign the church with pro-choice organizations. In addition I'm finding more and more people afraid to proclaim that Jesus Christ and belief in him is essential to the Christian journey. So many seem so concerned about what the non-Christian is going to say when confronted with Christ--well that concer should be abated if the person in question has chosen to come to the Church to begin with. If one goes to a Mosque one expects to hear about Mohammed, and if one goes to a Synagogue, one expects to hear about Moses and the Torah. Thus one would think going to a Church would allow one to hear about Jesus.

In addition, since when does being Gay inclusive = being Baby killers? I am very sorry to all feminists etc, but I will not and cannot condone the innocent death of a child that is in the womb, that DOES feel pain, that (if in the case of rape) is also a victim. Life being endangered... that is more grey. I read rencently something that stands out. If a pregnant woman is murdered, the person is charged with murder and feticide. Yet a doctor is not charged with feticide...only because the woman didn't want to admit that the thing in her is a living entity. Life is indeed sacred, and in a world where people criticize the evils of war and poverty, of pain and rape, of murder and injustices... how can one then align oneself with the death of the innocent.

I want so bad to find a church that is Gay inclusive yet holds to some form of Biblical Christianity where there is belief in Christ and in the Trinity, in the Resurrection, and in the sacredness of life.

April 2006 Photo

Hopeful Job, New Bladder

Dear Jack,

Well tax money has arrived in my account, and I am happy. This means I will be able to attend the memorial service for my grandfather. More good news includes a conversation with my bosses today at work. On their way to a meeting, they asked me if I was looking for a permanent job. I answered yes. They replied... good, we'll be sure to talk about that at the meeting. I am not sure if that means a job here at the bank, but it sure smells like it.

As I'm typing this, I am watching the news. It looks like doctors have successfully re-created working human bladders. The bladders were actually created from cells several years ago, and were kept on the DL until they knew that the organs were working normally. They say that they are also looking at cardiac muscles, livers, and lungs. If this is a successful adventure, it looks like most problems of health may be fixable by popping out the old organ and popping in a new one with the same DNA (thus reducing the risk of rejection). Woot. The cynical side of me hopes that it would be available for more than just the rich, but I doubt it.

Grandpa Part I

Dear Jack,

Well yesterday morning, around 3AM, my Grandpa Hohne passed away. I am still letting this process... as it is hard to really take it all in being so far from everyone. My understanding is that he will be cremated in North Las Vegas and that there will be a memorial service in Ohio later on. I do not know the details though.

The new job at Amalgamated Bank is going pretty well. The people there are extremely friendly. I believe that I am doing well, as they have moved me on to a more complicated stuff than what I was originally hired for. The other temps are friendly too. I have gotten to know two of them fairly well.

Get Real Review

Dear Jack,

Just saw Get Real, and here's what I thought:

Michael and I watched this the other night. This is probably one of my favorites so far, with regards to gay movies. The acting was actually decent, the plot was averagely complicated, and the characters were likable.

The story was very realistic, a private school setting in England where the unpopular, closeted, gay boy crosses upon the athletic, even more closeted, head boy. Other than it being about gay teenagers, I saw no reason for it to be rated "R"...but it seems the family groups are in charge of the rating systems rather than logical people. There was no sex, barely one shot of one butt for less than a second, little violence, and very little bad language.

All around I recommend this movie.

Failure to Launch not Complete Failure

Dear Jack,

Just saw Failure to Launch and here are my thoughts:

So I saw this ONLY because of McConaughey. And for the most part, it was worth it. The biggest problem other than the obvious predictability of the plot, was the weird inclusion of animals biting Matthew with an undeveloped plot understanding that nature was mad at Matthew for not moving out of the house.

I also wish there were more scenes with shirts off and men prancing around in towels...well Matthew prancing with a towel...and maybe one of his buds.

New Job

Dear Jack,

Well today I began a new job through Winston. I am working at Amalgamated Bank. The people there are very friendly, and I think this will be a decent assignment.

I wish something had gone through with the Episcopal Church Center, but so far I've heard nothing whatsoever. I guess I will just do my best with this job, and see if anything comes of it.

Other than that, there is not much new going on.

Michael's Birthday was on St. Patrick's Day, and we celebrated twice. On Friday, I cooked dinner and baked a cake. Dan, one of our new friends, as well as Dean and Jason. I think it went well. Then on Sunday, after Church, Michael and I met Bob and Brendan at Spice in Manhattan for lunch. So we were nearly able to see all our friends for Mike's Birthday, 'cept Empy, Kim, Josh, and Albert who were unable to make it...all had good excuses.

Well that is all for now.

Disolving Diocesan Bonds

Dear Jack,

Well it looks like it is nearing the time where it will be necessary for me to disolve my bonds to the Diocese of Atlanta. It looks like the process is at an end with the possible chance that I may be allowed to return to Atlanta for further discernment. Since I cannot go to Atlanta, I will probably be let go from the process and allowed to pursue it up here, where I can start from scratch in the discernment process.

It seems like a pitty that a professor or two and some caniving students (now priests) could lead me to such reversal in my process. Ironically, I feel glad to start over up here, and look forward to the process--not so much to see if I feel called but to re-validate a calling I have felt all along.

It is Ash Wednesday, and now begins Lent. My prayers are to find some way to accept he situation without any bitterness towards those that prompted it. Indeed not the Bishop, for I hold nothing against him except a dormancy in communication--he is making what he can out of a situation that has been handed to him--more the students and professors involved, who I hope had no idea of the consequences to me.

This is no end, this is only the beginning of a new chapter. And I still have high hopes.

Church Sweet Church

Dear Jack,

Well yesterday, Michael and I were welcomed officially to the community at St. Bart's on Park Avenue. This came on a long day where St. Bart's Singers joined the Choiristers and St. Bart's Choir to sing a Missa Brevis by Mozart too. Bob and Dean came also. After the service Bob and one of our choir friends named Michael joined us for lunch. We ate at a mediocre diner on 2nd Ave.

After eating and having a good time talking, Michael and I went with Bob to a Barnes and Noble and hung out there for about two hours. I ended up purchasing an Are You Being Served DVD.

Dean had a friend (also named Michael) come into town. I didn't care for him, as he seemed to want to slut around. He asked me for some justification for his "lifestyle", apparently equating being gay with being a sleazy person. I told him to look at the Bible and see if it addresses Monogamous, Loving, relationships between men. I sort of avoided the answer he was looking for, because there is no way I can or would justify sleeping around as appropriate and condoned lifestyle for anyone, gay or straight. This Michael took Dean to a bathouse and to a private viewing section of a porno store and didn't understand why Dean did not want to do anything there. He did not get that Dean has standards and is not about sleeping around--he doesn't get that there are many other gay men who want to have a Real relationship--not just one-night stands and mindless casual sex with strangers. I'm proud of Dean, although I wouldn't expect any less from him. He has a good heart and a good head on his shoulders. This Michael also further disgusted me when we learned he has a boyfriend to boot. He says he wants to move here, but I hope he does not.

I tend to be a rather tolerant person, especially with regards to other people's misbehavior. I have no respect for infidelity, and a bankrupt stockpile of sympathy for the unfaithful. I do not think that sleeping around is safe, healthy (spiritually, emotionally, physically), or condonable. That being said, I do understand some of the many reasons that cause people to do it. Regardless, when in a relationship with someone one should be faithful--Gay or Straight.

In the end it hurts the movement for Gay Marriage with infidelity. The same is true of heterosexuals who are unfaithful--it is a mockery of marriage too. And indeed those who are the men and women slept with--what do you think you are going to get out of it? If the person could not be faithful with the one, what makes you think they will be faithful with you?

Not all relationships are meant to be. That does not justify infidelity--that justifies fixing or ending the relationship. Infidelity adds to the schism and emotional backlash between the people, and stretches thinly the soul of the one being unfaithful.

Mid Feb

Dear Jack,

It is mid February and I am still at 815. Looking at the work, I may have a week or two more. I hope to get hired through HR or at least placed here in another area. There isn't much going on really. Mike and I had a good Valentine's Day. I made some steaks and scallops, and he bought me some chocolates.

Dean is a joy of a friend to have around up here. This week he inspired me. Some people at the grocery store were grumpy--well bitchy is more exact. Anyways, he just says "You need to smile because God loves you and so do I." Now had I said something like that, or had Michael, we would probably have a black eye, but Dean said it. The lady was polite to him. Now it doesn't always work that way--the ladies at Pathmark apparently are not as easily charmed, as Dean did not get the same reaction there.

Ob la de Ob la da

Dear Jack,

It is the day before Valentine's Day, and I am blessed to be celebrating it with Michael again. I must admit that I feared that Michael and I would not be together this time last year. If you recall, he had not come out yet to his parents, and we had to hide our relationship from them. So much has happened since then, and we are open, and together and I am the happiest man alive.

This past week Dean P. drove up in a U-Haul with his friend Amy (cool woman). He found an apartment right above us in the same building. It has been great having a good and friendly and funny friend living so close by. I hope he doesn't get annoyed with us ;-).

This past weekend brought on a blizzard. I loved it--but then again I don't have to shovel it or drive in it. Dean remarked "I always wished it would snow up to my ass, I just didn't think it would ever happen." This was the biggest snow on record here in New York: 26-28 inches they say. There is also word that more snow is on the way. Yeah Winter--about damn time you showed up.

Prayers for Grandpa Hohne, Joe, Bobbie, Wanda, Tommy, and Jason.

Solidarity With Denmark

Dear Jack,

I find myself amazed at the current escalation in the Muslim regions of the world over the cartoons published in Denmark. In the fall, a Danish newspaper decided to demonstrate in satire "intollerance" in the Islamic world. To do this, they had cartoonists draw some political, racy cartoons that not only depicted Islam in a less than shiny light. In addition, some cartoons included drawings of the Prophet Mohammud. In Islamic faith it is blasphemy to depict images of God or "God's Prophet".

I repeat the reason it was done was to emphasize the lack of tolleration in Islam. Within the past few weeks, several other newspapers in several other countries have republished the articles. France, Belgium, Yemen, Egypt, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, and the US---not all European, but mostly. This appearently brought further attention to the articles. What has happened since may be a key point in our history.

Several nations have withdrawn their ambassadors from Denmark. The Government of Denmark was asked to apologize for the newspaper's publishing, and to infringe on the freedom of the Press to publish such cartoons. Denmark responded with saying the cartoons were out of taste, but that the government could not and would not infringe on Freedom of the Press. AMEN.

Throughout the world, violent protests have broken out. In Syria and Lebanon, Embassies were burned to the groud along with any Danish, US, Israeli (how they got dragged in is beyond me), French, German, Polish, British flag they could find. Iran has issued a ban on Danish goods. Threats are rising, and even today there is violent protest.

I scan the newspapers and read the blogs and news agencies online and find pictures of burning flags and buildings. I see signs saying "Was 9/11 not a good enough sign?" and "Remember 7/7" among "Denmark will see the real holocaust".

What gets me most, is that this is over cartoon depictions in a NON Muslim country for NON Muslims. I cannot deny they were in bad taste, but it is not like they were posting them on the door of a Mosque. Indeed one might consider the many anti-Jewish cartoons that have been and continue to be published in the Middle East depicting Jews as blood-sucking evil people trying to control the world. Yet one does not see Israel or the followers of Judaism burning flags, and rushing embassies, and declaring death threats on innocent civilians from those countries.

One need not even mention the plethra of horrific cartoons and "art" regarding Christianity. I remind you of the elephant crap madonna and child. I didn't see any war like threats issued from the Vatican then.

What disgusts me the most is the disregard of the moderate Muslims by the fundamentalists. I think a Muslim should be offended by the cartoons, yes. I do not think they should react in violence and hatred. Most Moderate Muslims, I've found, agree, as they are protesting both sides of the issues. A quintessential image that comes to mind is an image caught on camera for CNN of two Muslim clerics trying to stop the demonstrators, being stoned by their own people for speaking peace.

Things are out of control.

What surprises me the most is the lack of information I am finding on either the GOP or Democratic websites regarding this. One would think that at least one of the two parties would have an opinion. We get quotations by rumsfeld from German papers about Iran and AIEA, but nothing of the cartoons. I found a quotation from our President that was reported as if it were a side issue saying that it was wrong to do the pictures, but falling short of showing Solidarity for Denmark and the Freedom of the Press.

What I do not know is the future. The Governor of New Mexico spoke of the pivitol place we stand, with Iran not cooperating with AIEA and the UN or the EU, with a terroist involved in the USS Cole boming free, with the Hamas in Palestine--I fear there may be some larger altercation.

I have never called myself an enemy of Islam--in fact I am intrigued by it. But I am afraid of some of it's followers.

Elijah Puss Day

Dear Jack,

It appears that my kitty in Georgia, Elijah Puss, has disappeared. He has not come home since Monday, according to my mother. I hope he is not dead, but only out too long. Mom is depressed about it. Elijah was her favorite among the animals at the house. Hallie, luckily, seems too intimidated by the outside to stay out long.

The Ladies Have Left the Building

Dear Jack,

Well today was the last day for my co-workers. The assignment is winding down, and they were let go. I, on the other hand, have two more weeks at least here, in addition Joe (my boss) is going to see what he can do to find a placement for me here, either with the agency, or some other way. I hope to solidify an appointment with HR to also discuss this, but am waiting on someone from that department to return my messages. I checked in again today.

I will miss Shastia and Alma, but Catora was mean towards me, although I am uncertain what caused it. Despite the fact I'll probably never see her again, I feel sad that Catora was mean and didn't even say good bye. To quote the old addage, "God bless them in their future endeavors", and all that jazz.

State of the Union

Dear Jack,

Last night was the State of the Union, given in its usual pomp and grandeur at the Capital building. I am not certain how I feel about all of it, as there was so much to digest. The imperialism doesn't exactly bother me, although many of my democrat friends probably did not like that. I found the initiatives for the decrease in fossil fuel from the Middle East very good--I only hope it works. I am uncertain what Bush meant by 'Activist Judges' with regards to 'Deigning Marriage', as it sounds like the usual crap regarding that. I wish they'd just let us gay people be normal rather than abstract "activists".

The Democratic Response was horribly delivered. I was more distracted by the Governor's lack of cohesive sentences and oddly raised eyebrow, that I could not take any thing he said seriously. It came across as "Democrats are Good, the Administration is bad, There is a Better Way, and it is doing what we did in Virginia". I don't want our government to be Virginia. That's not saying I am happy with the way things are run, but it's still better than a commonwealth state.

I was shocked that Caleb had not watched it, but he, like myself, does not like the clapping that continuously interrupts the speech. I wish they'd save their applause to the end.